Tag: liams Monthly Updates

The trying two’s have reared it’s ugly head these past few months. Liam has learned many new things and many new words since his second birthday.

Developments

Social

What has changed the most in the past six months is Liam’s ability to tell us what he wants. Although, many times we may not understand what he is saying, it is able to communicate very well now.

He is still a bit shy around those who he does not know, however he will still talk to other kids he may see at the park or adults that he meets.

He uses his manners and smiles to those who talk to him.

When talked to by an adult, he will respond with sentences, even if they are not understood well.

He is a bit rough while he plays with others however does show compassion if he truly understands they are hurt or if he may have done something to them. He does shy away from apologizing at times.

Communication

Liam can now talk in sentences.

He tells us how he feels. For an example: “That hurt my body”. “I want(insert want) please”. “I want to go outside”. Simple things like that.

He is able to recall past experiences for an example ” nana and papa ride on airplane” referring to the fact they left for VA after Christmas.

He no longer uses signsto communicate.

He knows all of his family’s names that he is around.

He knows his age and his mom and dad’s.

Cognitive Skills

Liam has a great memory and can remember how we did something the last time we did it. For an example; if we played with play dough and he wanted me to build a trolley from Daniel Tiger, he will remember exactly how I made it when we go to play with play dough again.

Liam is able to recognize a pair and say two without having to count, one two.

Liam loves a few educational series on Amazon and he is able to soak that information up easily. Just in a few days he is able to count with a few teen numbers.

He tends to use words in his own way even if corrected. For an example; he can say say small words like cup correctly but a larger word he will mess it up like helicopter. if I try to break down the word, like copter, he is able to say it mostly right, but all together has a hard time.

Liam remembers the strangest things. For an example when visiting family in Oregon, he noticed his great uncle leaving in a yellow car. When we got home, a car was mentioned and he starting talking about the yellow car leaving.

He still knows his shapes. He will recognize shapes and point them out in everything.

He knows all of the basic colors.

He can count to 12 without messing up. He tries to count in the teens and knows a few like 17 18 19.

He is able to do a small floor puzzle by finding pieces of the animals; with help.

Fine Motor Skills

Liam has great balance and is now being more bold by trying more challenge things.

He can climb children rock climbing stairs.

He is able to balance on things such an arm of a chair, walking alongside a playground wall, or on play equipment.

He is able to use a spoon and fork easier.

He is able to use a normal cup without spilling, a lot of the time.

He can take off his clothes.

Play

Liam has been using his imagination so much these past months.

He loves playing “house”: playing under the blanket in our room.

He loves painting and creating things he has seen before like the sun or waterfall.

He likes to draw or imagine people he knows in his artwork.

Liam enjoys outside time and going to the park.

He likes to role play with his animals or stuffed animals.

We pretend there are monsters and run and hide, but also pretend they are nice.

Liam loves cars, firetrucks, trucks, and airplanes.

He is obsessed with monster trucks.

Lately he likes to pretend to be a baby.

Books are not grabbed as often during the day, but loves reading at bedtime.

Dislikes

He still hates getting his diaper changed, but refuses to learn to use the potty most times.

He does not like the idea of going to bed.

He does not like trying new foods.

He doesn’t like to have to sit for a long period of time like a car trip or stroller ride.

New Behaviors

No is a huge word lastly of course.

Liam is now liking to use the negative attention during the day because we are starting to get a bit bored this winter. I became a stay at home mom again back in October.

Liam doesn’t like to talk when he wakes up from nap and I have learned that the hard way. He is grumpy and I have learned to snuggle and snack right when he gets up and he has less issues.

He is his usual silly self. When playing with other kids, he likes to tell them what not to do or what to do in his best way. For an example, when playing with his cousin Aria, he will tell her no or tell her what toy he wanted.

He will try more challenging things on the playground like the tire swing.

He is talking a lot more now.

If he knows he has hurt his mom or dad, he will say sorry.

When told what to do, he will say “okay momma”.

We still share a room because of our situation and about four months ago he started sleeping on our bed rather than his.

He no longer cries at bedtime. For a period of time when putting him down he would cry for a little while or go down fine but end up crying for whatever reason. He has no sleeping issues right now!

He is now in 24 months and fits many 2t’s.

Potty Training

This is a very slow process for us. He is not interested. However, lately if I catch him pooping, if I ask him if he wants to use the big toilet, he says yes and finishes on the toilet.

I have tried asking him to go or putting him on the toilet often throughout the day, but he fights it hard.

I have tried putting on fun underwear and reminding him to tell me if he needs to pee or poo. That was not successful after a couple of days.

I have not been consistent because he makes it a very negative experience.

The little candies have been helping. He sometimes will ask to go. I am letting him lead it for a couple of months and then I will try again with more putting him on the potty. We sing Daniel Tiger songs, he watches shows with potty’s, and books are read. Fingers crossed that he will finally want to go.

These are just a few things I can think of that Liam has learned over the past six months. He has grown so much already and communicates so much. He is so fun to play with and a joy seeing him pretend. The months are quick. Soon he will be three before we know it!

Liam has grown so much since his last update post. He talks non-stop and knows his colors and shapes. His little personality is silly as ever with a tornado of attitude. This update is full of exciting things!

Developments

This update is everything from 18 months to about his second birthday.

Social

He loves being silly and messing around.

For an example: You ask him for kisses and he just smiles and looks away.

He runs away and hides when he wants you to chase him.

If Liam wants you to be with him he either pulls your legs to come to where he wants you or says “sit” and pats the area he wants you to sit with him.

If you are hurt he asks “you okay?”

Sits in your lap when he wants you to read with him.

He will go to the front door and say outside if he wants to go play on the slide.

He will copy what you do or say like for an example if the guys cheer at the screen when the game is intense he will to.

If he does not want to do something he will say “no book” or “no(insert thing)”.

He gets angry if you do not let him do something he really wants to do and yells NO. But he gets over things fairly quickly.

He asks for “animals” his kid apps on my phone.

He occasionally says “pie pie” for potty when he wants to use the bathroom. We are slowly introducing the potty to him.

He LOVES playing outside and going down slides. He doesn’t care for swings.

He loves playing in the bathtub with the bubbles while splashing and moving around.

He loves playing in the bay or lake.

He loves making animal noises or pretending to be a dinosaur.

He likes throwing the rugby ball.

He loves throwing rocks into the water.

He loves sitting down and reading books with mom or dad.

He loves trains and making its sound.

Changes these past months

Haircut!

I weaned him completely from breastfeeding at 20 months.

Grown one size from 12 month to 18 months but is fitting into 24 months recently.

Dislikes

Having is diaper change!

Going to bed.

Listening to mommy and daddy(we are working on the no phase)

Eating anything his mommy makes him besides sandwiches, bananas, or fruit snacks. He is at the phase of being so picking and doesn’t even try things.

Behavioral Developments

Says no to many commands and we have to redirect him.

Sometimes when he’s very frustrated or does not want to do what we say he will get red in the face and yell NO. I have learned to approach him in a calmer manner to help him calm down instead of being firm. He starts to cry when he gets this way and will want to hug me for comfort. He seems scared of his own anger. I have learned how to avoid this altogether but sometimes we are human and get angry.

He will repeat things we do not want him to do until we physically remove him or ask him “do you want to go to bed”?

We choose to spank occasionally but I have learned what works without having to use that method. My husband can be more patient than me with dealing with situations that are frustrating involving Liam’s cooperation such as not wanting to eat dinner; Ben will try helping him try food. I tend to get upset and tell Liam to eat rather than sit there and help him.

Liam wants to be on the go and ALWAYS curious so he tends to get in trouble. Curious George!

He is very smart so he gets bored easily and wants to do this or that and has a hard time playing on his own because he is so social! If I leave the room long enough he entertains himself!

Two Year Appointment

26 pounds

Healthy

Up to date on shots.

Will find the paper where it says height!

Two years have flown by so quickly! He is such a ham and being a parent is both hard and a joy! One thing I have learned is going with your gut and knowing what your child needs rather than googling or Facebooking EVERYTHING. I took time off of Facebook for Lent(not Catholic) and it was so refreshing. Take some time away from the distractions and stress and you will find your rhythm as a parent.

Where has half a year gone?! It feels like last month we had Liam’s 1st Birthday party. This past few months have been a lot of new things and developments. Liam is growing into a toddler and less a baby. He has learned so much and his personality is showing more and more. These past six months accelerated his speech, abilities, and social skills! After the year mark life gets interesting, hard, fun, exciting, and challenging.

Developments

Social

Liam started kissing on the mouth about a month ago. If Daddy or I pucker our lips and make the kissy noise after asking for a kiss Liam will kiss us on the lips.

He has started high fives recently.

He has officially starting to wave back properly or waves goodbye to his class.

Hugs and today he hugged me from behind as I was sitting on the ground.

Babbles while is reads a book with me as though he is reading it to me.

Hits quite often now but will be gentle after a few reminders.

Shows compassion when someone is hurt or sad.

Crying or showing signs of frustration when he doesn’t get his way.

Sharing with others even though he doesn’t quite understand that yet.

Takes turns throwing a ball with me.

He likes to pull us and tries to get us to stand up and has us follow him.

Sighs more, please, milk(this is new), all done without being asked! He can sometimes sign thank you when asked.

When he asks please he usually means for food. Today he did that and I got him a snack.

Says “uh oh” when he hits his head or drops something.

Can follow a few directions like “go build a tower”(gets blocks), “go get woody or Chaucer the Bear(gets those toys), “kisses”, “get a book”(gets a book), “clean up” (cleans) or “clean your face” after I hand him a wipe he will.

Sounds like he is “singing” The ABC Song.

Pretends to talk on the cellphone by holding is up to his ear and babbling.

Newer Intellectual or Cognitive Skills

He can match colors, shapes, and pictures.

Examples:

we have a cute box of little books and they have matching pictures on the cardboard container that holds each little book and he can match them in the proper places.

Matches puzzle pieces.

He can match shapes on his shape car. He can almost match all of the shapes in the proper holes.

He can match the colors in his All Better book. The sticker bandaids can be placed back onto their colored spot in the book and he can match them by himself.

He can put away things back where he got them.

Remember familiar songs or parts of a book and react to them, in the same way, each time.

Newer Physical Developments

Has 4 new teeth(top pointy and bottom molars).

Fine Motor Skills

Can use a spoon!

Can hold a pen almost correctly and pretends to write.

Grab small objects and place them into their proper places or containers.

Builds a tower with blocks or stacks toys.

Points at things.

Tries to blow air(watches me blow on his food).

Pushes anything that looks like an on button.

He tries to put on his socks and shoes. He also will bring over our shoes and knows who shoes are whose. He has tried putting my shoes on my feet or has tried putting on our shoes on his feet. It is just too cute.

He can put on hats.

Tries to put a key in our front door.

Play

Liam likes to play ball.

LOVES to have Daddy or Uncle hold him up to the ceiling and tap it.

He has been obsessed with the lights and wants to have us turn it off and on. We even have him use the switch.

He loves anything that has a box or container so that he can take things out or put things in.

He likes to match things up like his puzzles or little books.

He likes to pretend he is talking on a phone.

Dislikes

Baths lately, but gets into it once he starts to splash around.

Being in the carseat.

Doesn’t care for cow’s milk.

Rice.

Getting his diaper changed; wiggles or screams.

Recent Behavior Developments

Liam for the past month or two has been hitting at home more and at daycare. He does this when he gets something taken away or needs to be moved. Sometimes there isn’t a clear reason. At daycare he is doing this to the smaller ones. We have been working on this.

18 Month Old Ped Appointment

Height: 2′ 7.5″ (16%)

Weight: 22lbs 8 oz (24%)

BMI: 15.94 kg/m2

He is still a little guy and is great health. I thought he may have had a reaction to the Amoxicillin that he used, but when talking to his Ped, he did not. What I saw the day after using this medication back in February was a red mark shaped like a heart on his knee that went away after about a week. About a week after he was done with the meds, he has some light red spots on his chest and back, but went away fast. She is not convinced this was related and if so, was not to be concerned about it. *I am adding this for my own records.

Liam has grown so much lately into a toddler and less like the little baby we took home in 2015.

Liam seems to be growing up at a faster rate lately. In the past month he has learned quite a few things and changing into a little boy. The little baby is fading away and this momma is feeling a sense of disbelief that she will no longer have a baby. He has almost outgrown his crib and barley fits his toy jumper. The only thing I can hold onto is that he still breastfeeds so he needs my comfort still.

A few new things lately:

He can now say “Uh Oh” and it is completely adorable. He still doesn’t say many words at 16 months. He can say dadda, momma, tree, and now uh oh. He does baby talk all day long though and you can tell he is using his vocal cards differently to almost distinguish between a question or sentence.

He signs more, thank you, please, and sometimes all done. But only when he wants to.

He pulls himself up onto our chairs and sits up to the table.

Two upper back teeth are cutting through so he has been cranky and clingy.

He is very emotional lately and learning how to manage his emotions.

We thought he had reflux at night or night terrors when he was acting really odd for a couple of weeks, but it turns out he had a growth spurt and was teething. We had an appointment that confirmed he grew a little quite quickly and also later I noticed two teeth had cut through.

Lately Liam has been screaming bloody murder at night until I nurse him. And sometimes doesn’t like me putting him back down to bed and screams again. He’s not colicky and it is not night terrors. But seriously, this new thing on top of him waking up a billion times at night is killing me!

We have no idea why he’s acting this way! He sounds like he’s being tortured.

I have a routine at night, make sure he’s eaten, and make sure he’s not cold.

What gives?!!! -December 17, 2016

There are a few things that he already has been doing like stacking blocks but he is perfecting that skill. The same with climbing and keeping his balance while running.

Breastfeeding

Liam is still Breastfeeding, but he is slowly nursing less during the day when we are not at daycare. He now just nurses at night or before nap. I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. And perhaps he will finally sleep through the night as well soon.

I cannot believe this little guy will be a year and a half very soon! Our life is so blessed!

Christmas 2016

Liam’s second Christmas was fun and it was our first time buying a real Christmas tree. His second time going to see Santa did not go as well as last year, however he liked playing with the car. We had a nice Holiday season!

As I reflect over the past year, I feel so blessed to have this little guy. I feel blessed for his health, his personality, and blessed to have his father/ my husband Ben by my side. The past year has been a learning experience of going with the flow and transforming into a mother. It is transitioning to not only from being a wife, but caring for another who needs me more. Being a mother has many challenges and you have to adjust to a new life, a new way of thinking, and a new way of approaching things. It is appreciating your life even during the darkest moments in the middle of the night. It is being happy even when your little one is not. Being a mother has its joys and proud moments. When you see your child learn something new for the first time is the best feeling in the world. The cuddles and the kisses. The laughter and the smiles. The soft skin and little toes. The silliness and the goofiness. It is the little things that make the day amazing. The quiet moments that create the bond. My life the past year has changed so much and I am so happy to have this little family of mine.

Liam at Birth and Now

What I have learned this past year

I am stronger than I thought.

Patience does not come naturally to me, however this past year has shown me I MUST work harder to have it.

The motherly instinct does kick in when you have your child.

Babies do not get spoiled, they are loved.

Babies will sleep however they like no matter what you do.

The bond or love you have for your child is stronger than any other love.

Motherhood is a crazy ride of emotions that brings out the worse in you if you let it, but brings out the best in you to.

Having a life to take care of is the scariest thing and you try not to think about the possibilities.

You will worry about your child for the rest of your life.

I have never been more proud of myself because taking care of a child is hard, amazing, and confusing at times!

Making it a habit to not look things up on the internet and just go with your gut.

Listen to my husband because he is smart and is usually right.

Balance is key to surviving life.

Hardships make you better if you let it.

Children are in awe of you and watch your every move!

Liam’s Development This Past Month

Walking

Liam is a full time walker now. He does occasionally crawl, but it up running around exploring!

He does fall all the time, however has pretty good balance.

Teeth

His two top teeth finally cut through this past month.

He has been cranky because of the teething.

He had some rough times crying because of teething pain.

Exploration

He loves to walk all over the place and find rocks, shoes, cords, or anything that he should not put in his mouth.

He crawls under things and hide.

Listening to Mommy and Daddy

Liam does a good job most of the time listening to a command or when being corrected.

Liam does have more of a tantrum moment when he does not want to leave something or when I have to take something away he should not have. But it only lasts a few seconds.

Personality

He is usually a very happy guy and will make silly faces.

He is so sweet and also can be a crazy monster to; as in growl and whack you for fun.

He is adorable when he sees Mittens the cat or his cousin Aria. He makes the cutest sound when they are in sight.

He dances to music and loves it when we sing.

He hums to himself often especially when he is tired.

He cuddles a little more now, but is usually on the go.

He is getting a little attitude when being corrected, however is quickly gone when I distract him.

He is so silly per usual and will make the funniest noises or faces.

Sleep

He still does not sleep through the night!

Most nights he is up about 2-3 times.

He is up about 1-2 times before 12am and then usually wakes maybe once after and then up between 6-8.

He still nurses at night.

He takes really great naps that are usually about two hours. He takes 1-2 naps a day depending on the day.

Breastfeeding

We still breastfeed. I use to use an app called Baby Feed that currently says I have been nursing on the left side for 1050:35:05 so that just shows how long I have not been using it to track the feedings and left on the tracker since July 11th. I do not know how long he goes between feedings anymore. I nurse on demand and he does nurse less.

I do not know when we will officially stop breastfeeding, but I will be slowly weaning him.

We just introduced a sippy cup to him a few days ago with water and I am going to start giving him cow’s milk soon. A large part of me is sad and does not want to transition him, but it will be nice to have my body back.

Milestones

Liam learned to clap this month! He finally mimicked me when singing If You’re Happy and You Know It.

He also started to stomp his feet during the song to!

He also waves, but does not always do it on demand.

He follows directions sometimes. He “gave” food to Paw Paw during FaceTime when he asked him to.

Things that interested Liam this month

When walking outside Liam loves to touch rocks.

Liam prefers to walk on the sidewalk or rocks rather the grass.

He loves to play in the dirt and feels around with his hands.

When he feels something crackle or make noise on the ground while he is walking, he stomps on it repeatedly.

Other

He has not been to his one year appointment yet, but I will edit his size and weight here.

He may be growing out of his size 4 diapers because he leaks at night again.

He is in size 12 months clothes. He can fit into his 9 months, but I use 12 months.

Liam’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar 1st Birthday Party

Decorations and Food

Family and Friends

Opening Presents

Special Present from Grammie and Grandpa McPhail

This is the rocking chair I got on my first birthday party. My parents put it back together for Liam! The padding is new and is so soft. Thank you again, mom and dad!

Eating cake

A special thank you for all of those who helped, hung out, and made Liam’s First Birthday fun and memorable!

Gifts from Nana and Paw Paw Stone & Uncle Bert and Spencer

They sent two packages of gifts full of 18 months clothes, toys, and a Olive Garden gift card for mom and dad. The note said, “For surviving your first year” haha.

This whole year has been a fun ride as well as a learning experience that will keep on going. Thank you to all who have helped us throughout the year and made Liam happy. We love you all!

*Mom confession: I look like I remember everything my son did or does, however I cheat and look at past Facebook posts to remember everything. Life HACK. You are welcome.

This past month has been so fun! Liam has been practicing walking and has now been able to walk about 80% of the time. It baffles me how fast these months go. It is said every month but it continues to surprise me! What has Liam been up to?

Developments This Month

Walking

Around July 8th, Liam was being more bold on walking unassisted. It started with just two or three steps and then he would fall on his butt.

He is walking a lot lately! -July 15th 2016

Liam is walking all over the place now! He still crawls but walks and walks! – July 20th

He now walks most of the time!

Crawling

He will crawl when he has fallen down from walking. He cannot stand up from sitting, so he still needs to crawl to something to pull himself up to stand so that he can walk. He is almost there!

Teeth

Liams teeth are making nursing a bit more uncomfortable but I have not gotten bitten yet!

Liam has been fussing this month because little did we know, he will be cutting the TOP two teeth pretty soon! He will have two bottom and top in the coming weeks.

Exploring

Liam LOVES to crawl under things. He recently crawled under his crib, under boxes, chairs, or under anything he thinks he can fit.

He loves to climb over/on things!

He likes being outside and exploring the grass and all that he thinks he can eat.

He explores the house and learns new things all the time. It is really neat to see.

Listening to Mommy and Daddy

Liam actually does a really good job at listening. Although I do have to repeat, he will leave an item or area when stating “no no” or “let go”. He recently has developed a permanent monster voice and will use that when I tell him no. It is adorable.

He does a good job with listening to Ben as well.

He does have a hard time with no when it comes to taking off our glasses or anything to do with us.

Personality

By the way, Liam loved the fireworks. I was so nervous and he almost fell asleep before the show started but woke up as soon as the first was lit. He did great!

As mentioned before, he uses this adorable monster or dinosaur voice. It is more pronounced when we use “no” or if he does not want to do something.

He loves to sing or hum. It is so cute and will also dance.

He now acts bashful in the high chair and brings his head to the side and smiles.

He is such a goof! He just does the silliest things or makes the silliest noises.

He is very loud and likes to shout.

He likes to gabber all day and especially when mommy is talking.

He is also is quiet and observes.

Sleep

Wow, it’s been awhile since I’ve woken up at 10am! Little man slept in! Hate waking late but I got some sleep!!

I am trying something new tonight. I left Chaucer the Bear in his crib after he fell asleep. Liam loves him and is always happy around him. I am hoping he will soothe Liam at night. First time may not work, but I am going to try this for awhile. You never know.

So Liam woke up for the first time tonight after less than an hour. I went over to him, patted his back, put Chaucer the Bear in his arms, patted his back, he ended up laying on him, and he got quiet. I snuck over to look at him after a few seconds and he’s asleep! Score 1 for mommy thus far!

Update on Chaucer the Bear: Liam didn’t sleep amazingly and the Bear didn’t help him sleep. It seemed to help a little bit I had to rub or pat his back. I did only nurse once. He woke up 3 times before 12 or so and then slept about 6-7 hours? I didn’t look at the time so I wouldn’t get really upset. All in all, wasn’t too bad! I was up late anyways.

Sleep has not gotten worse and some days are way better, but Liam still does not sleep through the night.

He does cuddle the Bear in bed. I do keep it in there for him.

Breastfeeding

These night feedings are killer.

We are still full time breastfeeding on demand.

I do not know when I will wean him.

We still night feed because that is what works for us right now.

He eat between 2-4 hours.

Solids

He does really well with solids and eats more!

This month I found out he loves fresh honeydew and strawberries.

He eats pretty much anything I put in front of him. He may not eat it all, but he will eat. If he does like it, he eats it all.

Loves

Eating from mommy’s plate.

When mommy sings.

His reflection.

Music.

Cords.

Eating anything off the ground.

Daddy’s teeth or glasses.

Fruit.

Nursing.

Playing chase.

Hitting food on his tray.

The cat, Mittens and touching her.

Playing with his cousin Aria.

Hanging out with family.

Being outside.

Going on walks with the stroller

Dislikes

He HATES being changed.

Does not like it when I make sure he did not eat something bad off the ground in his mouth.

Sudden loud noises.

Being confined for too long.

Having to sit still for very long.

Other

Size 4 Honest Diapers

9 and 12 months clothes.

Still no appointment this month so no measurements or weight.

Time is flying by so quickly it is so bizarre. We almost have a one year old! He is such a blessing and joy.

New Developments This Past Month

Walking

This past month Liam has been practicing walking along side things and holding himself up by pulling on things.

He took his FIRST steps this month! 6 to be exact.

Crawling

He continues to crawl more often than walking.

Standing

Liam stands all day!

He will stand in the middle of the room for a while playing with a toy or dancing.

He likes to stand in the crib or the playpen.

Teeth

His TEETH finally pop this month, two of them.

He likes to bite but I feel is of course is affection. I am currently teaching him to be gentle.

He had a hard time with nursing for a few days when they were cutting.

Climbing

He is climbing ALL OVER the place lately. I have to change the “blocked areas” with larger things because he can climb up on things now.

Listening

This month has been the beginning of the testing phase for sure.

Liam gets upset when I say no or try to tell him to stay off of something.

There are many times he will obey.

Personality

He has grown into a silly little guy. He has always been so happy and chill, however is loving to make cute monster voices a lot more lately, and cheesy smiles per usual.

He cannot stay in one place for too long. He MUST explore and MUST climb.

He has a fascination with Ben’s teeth and loves to put his hand in Ben’s mouth.

He still enjoys music and almost always dances.

He loves attention! Absolutely loves to be held by family and gives the sweetest smiles to everyone.

When he is angry is now will arch his back.

He hates being changed either a diaper or his clothes. I feel he just does not want to stay still.

He LOVES nursing.

He MUST try anything Ben and I are eating if it is safe.

Sleep

This is just no. It has been horrible and the most challenging part about Motherhood/Parenting.

He still wakes every 1 1/2-2 hours up until maybe 2am and then I may get 5-7 hours span IF I am not awaken by Ben’s work alarm.

He nurses at night still. I am trying to cut down a little. Extremely hard due to our situation.

Breastfeeding

We still nurse on demand.

He usually nurses between 2-4 hours depending on the day and what we are doing.

I still have NO issues and so blessed and happy about that.

I have not see ANY milk decrease since I starting working out and watching what I eat.

I only nurse, but may pump some to go on DATES!

Solids

He is starting to like solids more this month so he eats a lot more.

He eats fingers foods like puffs, fruit, fish, avocado, veggies, or whatever we are eating sometimes.

He eats about 2-3 solids feedings a day.

Loves

Kisses

When I kiss the inside of his neck.

When I sing to him.

Chaucer the Bear.

His daddy.

Mommy because she has food. Okay, fine he loves mommy because of her hair.

Petting the cat.

Crawling EVERYWHERE.

Standing.

Dancing.

Eating everything off the floor.

Shoes.

Being at the park and exploring everywhere because he can stand and walk along the stroller.

Watching himself on a video.

His reflection in the mirror.

His grandparents, uncles, and aunties.

Dislikes

Letting mommy sleep at night.

HATES being changed.

Does not like when I say no.

Baths do not seem fun for him lately.

Other

Size 4 Honest Diapers

9 and 12 months clothes.

We did not have an appointment this month so no measurements or weight!

We thought he had a lazy eye, but we were put to ease when the doctor did not seem concerned, but referred us if we wanted to see a specialist. I have not made an appointment. His left eye seems to drift or look odd when he is tired or spacing out. Other than that, he is good.

That is all that I can think of this month! A lot is repeat from last month because he is just the same silly little baby boy.

My little baby boy is growing and learning so much! I see more personality growing daily. I love how happy and silly he is. Liam is now 9 months old!

Also, I want to clarify because I even get confused with this, these monthly updates are updates from the past month. This means although the title says 9 months, he did all of this up to 9 months if that makes sense. It is all of the development up to 9 months and what he can do now. So basically updating what he did as a 8 month old, does that make any sense?

New Developments This Past Month

Crawling

He is very fast now and can get to any place he desires.

He does go underneath things.

He moves his legs really well to move from all fours to sitting, to all fours, and likes to put his butt up in the air and look under his legs at me.

Standing

He has always been great at standing. Now he can let go of the side of the bed, coach, or whatever and can stand their longer, up to 5-7 seconds.

He now walks along side things faster and more confidently. He even lets go from one thing and lightly throws himself forward to the next, with decent balance.

He likes to move up and down or dance while standing.

He loves to stand.

Talking

He talks all day.

Dadda and mamma are still the two clear words he says.

He loves to squeal or scream for fun.

He makes a cute monster voice.

Listening

He does a really great job with listening to me when I do not want him near something or on something. He does take a few tries, but he eventually crawls away. I do not think he understands what I am saying, but gets what I am after. For an example, I do not like him in the kitchen and I repeat “no kitchen” or “out of the kitchen” usually with his name, and a lot of the times he leaves or moves. I still need to redirect or move him of course.

Personality

Happy all the time! He enjoys so many things and people interaction.

The only things that bring him down is if he is hungry, needs to sleep, or gets hurt. And if he just wants mamma or gets frustrated if I need to move him or take something. Oh, and night time….yeah.

He is so silly. He likes to “sing” or make funny noises while smiling at me. I feel he wants a reaction.

He will look at me from time to time while playing almost as if he wants a smile from me. Or maybe seeing what I am dong.

He is on the go a lot because he has learned he can get somewhere, but he does observe and focus well on one thing. He likes to listen to others and has the cutest focused face that reminds me of his dad.

He loves music and happy when I sing songs to him.

Liam loves kisses and hugs. He will cuddle, but is not a huge cuddle baby because he wants to be on the move. There are times I can snuggle if he wants to watch a little netflix with me or rest.

He gets so happy to see daddy when he gets home from work and is focused on him for awhile.

Sleep

Oh goodness, it is a struggle. We live in a studio at the moment, so we have learned to go with the flow and I have tried many things and he still wakes often throughout the night.

However, only recently the last two days, I am working on giving him more solids throughout the day to add calories and we tried music last night, and it seemed to help a lot. He still didn’t sleep all night, but we will keep at it.

Naps are great. He goes down without a problem. He may whine a little or cry for a min, but goes to sleep.

Nights are a struggle after the first wake up. Sometimes he decides he wants to talk and stay up, or he wont go down unless I nurse.

We are working on sleep.

Breastfeeding

It is going strong. He still nurses between 2-4 hours.

He still nurses throughout night. I do not mind, but the lack of sleep is killer.

I am trying to work on slowly taking the nursing out during the night. Hoping the music and more solids in the day will help. If not, we got this. I am in no rush in anything dealing with breastfeeding changes.

I do not have any pain still with breastfeeding. Sometimes he does surprise me and will sleep longer at night so then I will be a little full and it is uncomfortable, but nothing like the early months.

I also do not need nursing pads. I will leak a little or a lot if he surprises me at night with sleep. But I do not need it during the day most times.

Also, I am in no rush to wean. One year is not the end mark at all.

Loves

He loves to eat sweet potatoes, bananas, yogurt, or peas.

He loves to crawl.

Liam loves when I get on my hands and knees and chase him. He will crawl away. He also loves when I go hide and likes to find me.

Loves to be outside and is very curious of his surroundings.

He is like mamma and loves the natural light coming through the window.

He loves to play in the water.

His favorite things to put in his mouth is anything with a tag or long piece of fabric.

Loves to nurse and just be close at times. We will have a very short sesson just so he can be close.

He loves mirrors just like most babies.

Dislikes

Night time sleeping

He does not like having to stay still during a diaper change or outfit change. Typical baby development.

He is not a fan of staying in his jumper very long anymore. We usually wouldn’t go much longer than 30 mins if needed, but cannot get him to stay in long. He is on the go!

There are a few flavors of baby food he hasn’t cared for, but cannot recall exactly which.